Kevin Fischer is a veteran broadcaster, the recipient of over 150 major journalism awards from the Milwaukee Press Club, the Wisconsin Associated Press, the Northwest Broadcast News Association, the Wisconsin Bar Association, and others. He has been seen and heard on Milwaukee TV and radio stations for over three decades. A longtime aide to state Senate Republicans in the Wisconsin Legislature, Kevin can be seen offering his views on the news on the public affairs program, "InterCHANGE," on Milwaukee Public Television Channel 10, and heard filling in on Newstalk 1130 WISN. He lives with his wife, Jennifer, and their lovely young daughter, Kyla Audrey, in Franklin.

When it comes to excitement in Franklin, I must tell you there are certain long-awaited correspondences from Franklin officials that rank high on my list.

By far, the most anticipated word from Franklin that comes to my household is the annual pillage and plunder notice, otherwise known as the property tax bill.

Right up there with that stick ‘em up note is School Superintendent Steve Patz’s words of wisdom inserted into the city newsletter. Always captivating, the latest from Patz was especially scintillating. Here’s an excerpt:

“Our administrative team completed a 2-day retreat in early July to examine data and set goals for our next school year.”

That certainly sounds marvelous… for newsletter purposes…in August. Most readers almost assuredly would flash right by that sentence. But what exactly does that mean? What goals specifically did you set? Does someone, anyone besides me care to ask?

Speaking of the city newsletter, the latest deals with...

They’ve been known to be spotted in Franklin. My wife saw one chomping away on goose eggs near our backyard years ago.

“…the answer to dealing with coyotes is finding ways to discourage their presence around your yard or neighborhood and to take precautions with your pets. It is important to keep all food sources out of your yard and keep tight lids on your trash cans.”

Ahhh. Jennifer and I have stopped leaving bags of Doritos and Mr. G’s on our patio table thanks to this important reminder.

“Keep close eyes on your pets when they are outside and do not leave them unattended if possible.”

Good one. Would have never thought of it.

“Although coyotes in suburban and urban environments are less wary of humans, they are afraid of people and do not attack if hazed from a safe distance. Hazing is the most effective way of keeping coyotes away by increasing their wariness or fear of people. Hazing can include many different methods but some common ones are: making loud noises, especially with some type of object like a horn or whistle; yelling and waving arms; using a garden hose to spray; and throwing objects like sticks or rocks also prove effective. What you should not do is turn and run away when seeing coyotes. This will only re-enforce a lack of fear for humans.”

OK. Let me get this straight. City Hall is telling me coyotes are part of Franklin’s natural habitat. I need to keep food inside, I’m guessing like, in my pantry or refrigerator. I'm to keep an eye on my pet(s)…no more leaving them outside for hours and hours and hours; and ifI have the misfortune of seeing a coyote, make noises and wave my arms and throw objects.

That’s interesting. All very interesting.

Just this week in Burbank, California, a man found himself in a horrific situation. He had no access to the city of Franklin’s latest newsletter as he was being chased by a pack of wild coyotes.

Mercy, mercy, mercy.

Did he shout? Did he jump up and down? Did he make noises? Did he throw stuff?

Even without the newsletter from Franklin, Nick Mendoza utilized the advice. Read what happened.

Suppose a coyote is attacking a pet, a young child, or anyone else. I’m sorry. Gun owners might decide to shoot at the coyote first and pay fines later. That's a far better scenario than a dead child or pet.

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